what breed should we get?

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

After many years of dithering, DH has finally agreed we can get a dog but have no idea what to get. We haven't got a massive house or utility room so nothing too huge (I'd love a lab & definitely too big but DH has said preferably too tiny) must be good with children, obviously regular walks no problem but we haven't got time for twice daily hikes although it would be great if I could run with it occasionally, not too hairy (fluffy cats are enough already)I work from home and DH will take him out with him some days so will always be in company.
Any suggestions? And where do we look to buy a dog?

Very excited McPeePer household

[MothershipG]

A Miniature Schnauzer would fit I think.

Non shedding, not too big, generally like children.

Can be very nippy as a puppy and a bit manic but most of them settle down. Mine didn't she doesn't nip any more and is very lovely but still very over excitable!

[Hoppinggreen]

Golden Retriever - really doesn't t fit your criteria at all ( except good with children) but the best dogs ever !!

[lougle]

German Shepherd or German Shepherd x Retriever. Doesn't fit your criteria at all but by the time you got one you wouldn't care

[CMOTDibbler]

How about someone like Teddy?
Lurchers are very good company for the home based worker as they sleep all day and don't bother you for attention. Mine love going running with me, but aren't bothered about massive walks everyday.

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

not at all helpful but love German shepherds & retrievers . Definitely too big for our house though. Sadly I'm not a miniature schnauzer fan I like a smooth or soft coat plus my granny had one that was a bit crazy so it's put me off a bit

[TrionicLettuce]

Depending on how your cats are likely to be around a dog then you might want to consider a whippet.

They're fabulous little dogs with the most sweet, gentle and loving temperaments.

They're very easy to satisfy when it comes to exercise, mine will settle after just a thirty minute blast off lead but equally they're more than happy to go for hours given the opportunity. On average they get between 45 and 90 minutes a day, at least in decent weather. They hate the rain and go on strike when the weather is really bad. Light drizzle is ok, proper rain? Forget about it.

They have extremely short and fine coats (with no undercoat) so although they shed the hairs are so small they're barely noticeable. However filthy they get on a walk a quick rinse in the shower and they're spotless again, plus they dry within minutes.

They're cuddly (you can barely sit down in this house without a whippet sitting on you), mischievous, playful, endlessly entertaining and the most lovely little characters you could ever hope to meet. I'm gushing now, I'll stop before I get completely carried away seriously though, perfect dogs!!

The best place to start if you're looking for a puppy is the relevant breed club, in this case the Whippet Club. There's also several regional clubs and you can find your local one on this list.

[Dieu]

We are so happy with our Shih Tzu boy ... at least now that the toilet training is sorted

[CraftyMissus]

Miniature poodle? Yorkshire terrier? Westie? Or see what scruffy little pups are at the dogs home, cross breeds are often gems. Not to mention combinations you'd never expect. A pet shop near my mums was acting as homer for an accidental litter a while ago... Dachshund Rottweiler crosses!

[Lancelottie]

Dachshund/Rottie?

Just... how?

[BeautyIsTruth]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! Great with children and cats, very sweet and docile, eager to please. Good size, not massive but not tiny either, very cuddly, smooth coat, don't need lots of walking. They're not as intelligent as a labrador or alsation so aren't going to be walking across tight ropes on Britain's Got Talent any time soon but they're fairly easy in terms of house training. Not sure about the running though, they tend to be on the lazier side but they're very cute so that would make up for it IMO.

[Chorltonswheelies422]

Highly recommend cavalier King Charles - although don't fully agree with beauty's moment - mine loves lots of ball chasing and long long walks and her passion is swimming! She's a really active dog. When not being active, she loves to cuddle up. Think of the closest thing you can get to a real life teddy bear . Great with children too and the most wonderful greeting waggle. Here's a pic

[InternationalHouseofToast]

Lancelot - I guess steps were involved..... or IVF

[alleypalley]

We've just got a mini schnauzer and she's lovely, but if you prefer something with a softer coat but low shedding how about a poodle cross, a cockerpoo or labrdoodle?

[TinyPawz]

Westie is the dog for you.

[DogStuff]

I'm going to be flamed for this - but miniature labradoodle? Smaller than lab, lower shedding though maybe some shedding. Either lab or poodle temperament - both of which are OK with children, though poodles more sensitive/nervous.

[ExasperatedAlmostAlways]

Absolutely not a cockapoo, I'v two relatives with them and they are hyper!!!! Constantly jumping up on the children, my kids done like them.

We have a chihuahua who's a great dog. Loves the kids loads, happy to have minimum walks or will walk happily for ages. She's a long haired smooth coat but hardly sheds any hair except when I brush her. But I think she's probably too small foe you, your cats would be bigger 😂 I agree that a spaniel would be good.

[mrslaughan]

Definitely not anything ending in "poo"......as they are more than likely puppy farmed, which means the parents are kept in terrible conditions.....plus you are paying a fortune for a mongrel.
What about a whippet, Norfolk terrier, or a border terrier? Or a mongrel from a rescue, though some rescues are tricky about rehoming with children.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are lovely, but I think finding a breeder where you can be sure about the health of your puppy/dog could be tricky.........

[BeautyIsTruth]

Chorltonswheelies awww your dog's gorgeous! Wow, I can't believe yours loves swimming! I grew up having 3 Cavaliers and they've all been pretty lazy, although my parents' current one is the most active of the lot. One of them I'd throw the ball a few times for her, then she'd get bored, walk off and slump back to her bed.

They are very much like having real life teddy bears. My parents' dog is very affectionate and loves cuddling up in my lap.

[MeadowHay]

Lurcher or greyhound but may be too big? Whippet. Westie, but the shedding might drive you mad, because it's white you can always see it so easily! Staffy. Bichon Frisé.

Just some ideas~
Please think about adopting a rescue dog though, please. There are so many darlings that just need a loving family.

[TinyPawz]

Westies don't shed, they need to be groomed to keep their hair short

[Naicecuppatea]

Jumping on the thread, some gorgeous dogs here! We are also in a similar position and thinking of getting a golden retriever. Are the kennel clubs the best place to look or get on a waiting list?

[anyoldname76]

Probably not a popular choice but we love our staffy freddie, hes friendly, affectionate, chilled out, not too big and easy to train. not everyone s choice i know but in the right hands they are a great dog

[Chorltonswheelies422]

Thanks Beauty! Yes they are fab going to try and get some film of her running and swimming soon - she is so fast!

[Tate15]

I have three dogs. A whippet x greyhound, a whippet and a pug x jack Russell.

Go for a whippet, they are wonderful.